In the News

About 4 years ago, I decided to help Rwanda's national cycling team, newly created and composed only of young survivors of the terrible 1994genocide. The genocide happened 20 years ago in 2014. Despite the passing of time, we must remember, if only to make sure that such events never happen again.

When I was a student in Visual Arts at Laval University, my mother used to say to me: "Louis, you will never earn a living with art..." She was right, I instead became a businessman... but I never lost my passion for the arts. Today, I am putting this passion to good use in order to give back to society, to causes that touch my heart, like that of Team Rwanda.

Painting is a necessary outlet for me; it lets me express feelings and share life experiences. It is also a way for me to give back. Thus, faced with the sheer size of the help necessary to make a difference, I decided to paint the HOPE series, a collection of 12 paintings of which 4 have already been sold at the price of $20,000 each.

We had the pleasure of donating, a few days ago, the amount of $80,000 to the Rwanda National Cycling Team in order to help them continue to grow through their sport and mostly, to continue with the work of hope for the Rwandans who follow their feats and are again able to dream.

Louis Garneau will become the Official Apparel Sponsor of the UCI Elite Mountain Bike Team, SCOTT-3Rox Racing.

Scott-3Rox Racing is comprised of a mixed roster of four men and three women. The team will be participating in major international races, with a focus on the 2015 Pan Am Games that will be held in Toronto, Ontario.

"The team is thrilled to be partnering with such an established company that produces the world's best cycling clothing solutions. A big part of competing on the international circuit is having companies that are leaders in their industry supporting the program. We are excited and motivated to be affiliated with Garneau going into the 2015 season," notes Kyle Douglas, Team Manager.

The team is led by veteran rider Geoff Kabush, a 9X Canadian National Champion. "I'm really psyched to be working with Louis Garneau again! I'm always excited riding for National Team because the LG gear is so nice and now I get to wear them all the time," remarks Kabush. The team also consists of Derek Zandstra, Cameron Jette and Marc-Antoine Nadon, and the women's program will expand to three riders including returning rider, Mikaela Kofman, and two U.S. riders, Teal Stetson-Lee and Erin Huck.

"The team represents more than just racing," said President and Founder, Louis Garneau. "We're proud to work this group of athletes and re-establish ourselves among a competitive mountain bike audience. We have a completely new line of mountain bike apparel for 2015 and, with their help, we will start speaking to a larger cycling audience."

The team kicks off the 2015 season in January with a training camp in California.

It is with great pride the Louis Garneau presents the Little Brothers organization with a cheque for $90,256, following the last edition of the Granfondo Garneau-Québecor which attracted nearly 3,000 cyclists. Since its creation in 2009, all the profits have been given to the Little Brothers and to this day, $290,000 have been raised for the organization. Louis Garneau wishes to thank all the partners and participants involved in making the event a success.

For Louis Garneau, organizer of the event, the funds collected are synonymous with both victory and a promise kept: "We were able to raise these funds thanks to the 3,000 participants of the Granfondo and to the help of our valued sponsors. I wish to extend a special thank you to Marcel Bouchard, Honorary President of the 2014 edition, who successfully communicated the message of the Little Brothers' cause. I am proud that together, we contribute to improving the lives of the elderly suffering from isolation while practicing a sport we love."

Caroline Sauriol, Director of the Little Brothers organization, explains that this amount will greatly improve the help to the elderly. "The money raised will be used for the maintenance of the holiday cottage at St-Joseph Lake and for the development of the Little Brothers of the greater Quebec City region. This will allow us to welcome more lonely elderly from Quebec City and the surrounding area who, thanks to the Little Brothers, will never be alone again," she declared.

Garneau is proud to be the title sponsor of Le Grand Fat Tour. Spanning the Quebec-Vermont border, our collaboration will promote winter cycling with a six event series. Le Grand Fat Tour promotes sustainable trail networks and is the catalyst many clubs need to activate a winter riding program. It's also a great opportunity to educate andentertain the pedaling public.

The Course M-2 Triathlon Skin was recently awarded Editor's Pick - Gear of the Year by Lava Magazine. Lava Magazine is the official magazine of Ironman with a circulation of over 70,000 readers.

Every aspect of the Course M-2 triathlon skin is designed to provide maximum aerodynamic efficiency and optimal performances from start to finish. The body is made with CB Speedtech which, as its name implies, is designed for speed, with a dimpled mesh construction that improves aerodynamics for speeds from 25 to 70 km/h. The ultra texturized construction of the CB M-2 sleeves allows better laminar airflow, reducing the rider's drag factor, and the skin's full-length zip can be completely opened for maximum ventilation without flapping. Two inner pockets are designed close to the body, allowing you to carry and easily access your gels or bars without affecting aerodynamics on the bike or comfort while running.

Louis Garneau Sports Inc. of St-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Québec, is voluntarily recalling approximately 283 units of the P-09 aerodynamic bicycle helmet. This helmet, certified according to CPSC standards in December 2013, was manufactured in early 2014 and its production was tested internally by both Louis Garneau and its contract manufacturer and externally by independent laboratories and passed all CPSC requirements. During a recent production, the helmet cover part made of a polycarbonate micro-shell failed the manufacturer’s head impact tests. Remaining units left from the previous production were then retested and failed the cold condition testing which leads Louis Garneau to think that there may be a degradation of the product over time. In its current version, the helmet may not prevent injuries in the case of a severe accident.

No such incident has been reported at this time, but Louis Garneau Sports Inc. has decided to deploy a preventive recall. The helmet is sold under the model name P-09.

It is offered in three colors: 7E5 (White-Blue), 6Y8 (Black-Red) and 6Y9 (White-Silver), the style number is 1405632. Recalled helmets have a manufacturer’s date sticker which reads Jan 2014. Helmets having the above mentioned manufacturing date are being recalled. Consumers should immediately stop using these helmets and return them to Louis Garneau Sports for replacement by a similar product or a refund. Helmets having a production date of APRIL 2014 meet quality standards and are not subject to this recall.

Independent Bicycle Dealers nationwide sold these helmets from January 2014 through September 2014 for between $280 and $350. Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately. For more information, consumers should call the customer service of Louis Garneau Sports at 1-800-463-8356 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Consumers should call the above number in order to obtain a return authorization number and then mail their helmets to the attention of the customer service. Consumers also can contact Louis Garneau by email at services@louisgarneau.com or through their web site at: www.louisgarneau.com

We thank you for your cooperation and apologize for any inconvenience related to this procedure.

The recent 4th place finisher at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships will be sponsored by Louis Garneau for helmets, shoes, apparel, nutrition, and bikes as he works to qualify and compete at the Ironman World Championships in Kona in 2015.

Lionel Sanders was 1st on the bike split for Pro Men at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. "As we launch the TR1, not only is Sanders the perfect match for the bike, but the bike is the perfect match for an upcoming triathlete. The geometry allows for aero positioning that doesn't compromise on power output or comfort. The bike has also been maximized for aerodynamics using CFD software and wind tunnel testing," explains Pierre Perron, Global Marketing Director.

Sanders will join the Garneau team in October at the Ironman World Championships as they host VIP rides on a demo fleet of TR1 bikes to interested media, dealers, distributors, and athletes.

Post-IM 70.3 Worlds, Sanders remarked, "The bike is amazing. The whole day was amazing! Thanks for accepting me into the Garneau family. Very excited to officially begin this journey together."

Athlete's coach also remarked, "Your bike and his heart are a great partnership. To have the pro bike record against that field is amazing. To then back it up with the day's fastest bike+run split with Javier & Jan in the field is an indication just how talented Lionel Sanders is."

"Sanders is currently in training for Ironman Florida on Nov 1st. This will be his Ironman Pro debut, and we have set a goal of breaking 8 hours overall, riding incredibly fast and then optimally running a world record marathon split off the bike" said his coach Barrie Shepley.

Lionel Sanders is excited to be in Kona during the Ironman, where he will be training on every aspect of the famous Ironman course in preparation for his goal of racing in Kona in 2015.

Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, August 25, 2014 - Team Garneau-Quebecor is proud to present the riders that will be on the starting line one of the most important races on their calendar: the Tour of Alberta. This year, Garneau-Quebecor has the chance to welcome a special guest, a rider of the Rwanda National Cycling Team, Janvier Hadi. Janvier won the Prologue of the 2013 Tour of Rwanda. He also became the first Rwandan to podium at the Continental Championships in Egypt in 2013, taking 3rd in the U23 Road Race.

For Louis Garneau, Janvier Hadi's participation is another way to provide a stepping stone in a cyclist's career: "It's a pleasure for me to see Janvier Hadi with our Team Garneau-Quebecor for the Tour of Alberta. Janvier is a child of the genocide that took place 20 years ago this year and to which he lost family members. Today, he dreams of Olympic Games and Tour de France. I'm proud to make him discover our region and to help him realize his dreams. Good luck Janvier!

"We greatly help the Rwanda National Cycling Team in its development and to invite one of its riders to be a part of our Continental team truly reflects our mission to help young riders get to the next level," added Louis Garneau.

The team will also count Pierrick Naud, Geoffroy Dussault, Benjamin Chaddock, Jake Kauffman, Simon-Pierre Gauthier, Julien Gagné and Adam Farabaugh, who wore the Most Aggressive Rider jersey of a stage in 2013.

Farabaugh hopes for even more this year for the team: "I would like to further improve upon getting the Most Aggressive Rider's jersey on Stage 5 last year with a more established presence in the breakaways along with helping our sprinters on the sprint stages to get the team increased visibility and results. I think it will be very achievable for both myself and the team to get a number of top 5's. If we can do this we will have a very successful race."

Louis Garneau is also proud to be a sponsor of the race, providing the official Stage Leader, Best Sprinter, Best Climber, Best Young Rider, Most Aggressive Rider as well as Best Canadian Rider jerseys. In addition, the company has created an event jersey that will be offered to consumers on site and online at tourofalberta.ca.

The Tour of Alberta will take place from September 2 to September 7, 2014, over 5 stages from Calgary to Edmonton.

Louis Garneau is proud to announce its 2014 bike demo tour. The North American Garneau Open Road Demo Tour, which will begin April 27, 2014 at Paris to Ancaster, will take place over the summer in stores across Canada and select US locations.

The Garneau Demo Tour will allow people to discover the Gennix Series of Garneau bikes already used by several athletes, amateurs and pros, such as Garneau-Québecor professional cycling team.

“The Garneau Demo Tour will be a great way to connect with riders of all levels in partnership with our retail network and have them experience a Garneau Gennix carbon road bike on their own roads they ride and train on every day.” – Pierre Grenier, Canada Sales Director.

When signing up for a demo during the Open Road Demo Tour, Canadian participants will be able to try out Gennix R1, Gennix R2 and Gennix E1 bikes. At each demo day, $500 (retail value) in Garneau products will be drawn among the registered participants who will have tried a Garneau bike. In addition, anyone who purchases a Gennix series Garneau bike, the day of the demo or the following week, will receive $500 (retail value) in Garneau products.

Sign up now! Go to louisgarneau.com to find a demo date and location.

More dates and locations will later be added for the USA and Western provinces of Canada. Visit louisgarneau.com regularly to stay updated or follow us on Facebook.

The team is composed of, among others, Team Captain Remi Pelletier-Roy, Canadian Criterium Champion Pierrick Naud, Quebecers Simon Lambert-Lemay, Simon-Pierre Gauthier and Geoffroy Dussault and, for a second consecutive year, American Adam Farabaugh. Joining them this year are Canadian Benjamin Chaddock and Australians Luke Ockerby and Jacob Kauffmann.

“The season got off to a very good start with a training camp in North Carolina. This allowed us to get in some good kilometers outside, in the Blue Ridge Parkway Mountains, to live together as a team and to welcome the new members from Australia and Western Canada. It didn’t take long to build good team cohesion, as demonstrated during our latest performance and victory at Delray Beach last weekend. There’s a great atmosphere and I think that’s a token of a great 2014 season. To be continued!” declared Team Captain Remi Pelletier-Roy, who was able to break away from the peloton in the first minutes of the race and maintain his position until the end. By winning the Delray Twilight Criterium, a race that is part of the USA Crit Championship series, Team Garneau-Québecor seized the Series Leader jersey.

For his part, Louis Garneau maintains that the influence of the team in the United States will promote the arrival of Garneau bikes on the American market. Louis Garneau USA officially launches its bikes this year, and having a presence at events such as these races will allow clients to come see and try the products.

“Our mission is to help young talents evolve and grow in cycling and to make their dream come true: become a Pro Team member…we want to find the next David Veilleux! The cycling solution we have developed is not limited to products. By creating events and supporting professional athletes, we contribute to the promotion of cycling. I am proud to have been able to help such great cyclists as David Veilleux and Antoine Duchesne (EUROPCAR), Hugo Houle (AG2R LA MONDIALE) and Bruno Langlois, who now competing in the USA this year.”

You can follow the team and its results:

·On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarneauQuebecorCyclingTeam

·On Twitter: #GARNEAUQUEBECOR

·An on the team’s website: www.garneauquebecor.com.

ABOUT QUEBECOR

Canadian leader in telecommunications, entertainment and information media, Quebecor is one of the most successful integrated communications companies of the industry. Driven by the desire to procure the best experience to their clients, all the subsidiaries and brands of Quebecor distinguish themselves by offering quality multi-platform and converging products and services. Quebecor (TSX : QBR.A, QBR.B) whose headquarters are firmly established in Quebec, holds a 75.36% share in Quebecor Media, who employs over 15,000 people in Canada. A family business founded in 1950, Quebecor is actively involved in its community. Each year, it supports people working in over 400 organizations in the essential fields of culture, health, education, environment and entrepreneurship.

Louis Garneau is proud to be the helmet, shoe, and apparel sponsor of the Backcountry.com Professional Mountain Bike Team. The team will compete in major North American cross-country and stage races throughout the year, including the Sea Otter Classic next month in California, the Whiskey 50, the BC Bike Race and the 2014 Pro XCT Series.

The team will wear Garneau Custom Apparel, Course and Quartz II helmets and T-Flex 2LS shoes.

"We make amazing mountain bike gear, but we haven't invested as much into this segment. This has become a priority for us for 2014. We can build off of our expertise for comfort and performance found in every piece of gear we craft," said Pierre Perron, Global Marketing Director at Louis Garneau. "The Backcountry.com Professional Mountain Bike Team, head to toe in Garneau, is the caliber of athletes we love to work with."

Exhibition opening to benefit Rwanda’s National Cycling Team

Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, March 13, 2014 - Today, Louis Garneau will be presenting his new series of 12 paintings entitled Hope. All the proceeds from the sale of these paintings will be donated to Rwanda's National Cycling Team.

"For the rest of my life, I have decided to give the profits generated by the sale of my paintings to causes that I believe in. Team Rwanda is one of those," declared businessman and artist Louis Garneau. "About 4 years ago, Jonathan ("Jock") Boyer, the first American to participate in the Tour de France, contacted me asking me to provide assistance to Rwanda's National Cycling Team, newly created and composed entirely of young survivors of the 1994 genocide. How could I say no to a cause like that? It is why I decided to paint the Hope series, to highlight the extraordinary accomplishments of Mr. Boyer and his riders. I am filled with admiration for these young men who lived the atrocities of the genocide and who, refusing to be taken down, chose to keep living, opting to compete in one of the most demanding sports there is," he explained.

Jonathan Boyer, who will also be present at the exhibition's opening, is very grateful for the help brought by Louis Garneau. "I am very excited to come to Quebec City to be with Louis Garneau at this event. Louis has been with us since the beginning and his support has enabled us to come as far as we have."

Incidentally, has an impressive track record: he has claimed 87 victories as an amateur and 49 professional wins, in addition to having participated in the Tour de France 5 times. He was inducted into the US Cycling Hall of Fame in 1998.

The paintings of the Hope series are sold for $20,000 each, all in profit of the development of cycling in Rwanda.

Louis Garneau Sports has been a sponsor of Rwanda's team for over 4 years. Team Rwanda allows its athletes to benefit from professional-grade training and organization. Its cyclists can thus ride for themselves, for their country, as well as to raise awareness about the situation in Rwanda. The support given for the riders, in addition to their own enthusiasm, will help them gain access to competitions around the world and, ultimately, one day realize "Jock" Boyer's dream of taking his team to the Tour de France.

The exhibition will be accessible to the general public without reservation until May 1, 2014, following shop opening hours. Simply visit de Louis Garneau boutique located at 40, des Grands-Lacs street, in St-Augustin-de-Desmaures.

Team Garneau-Quebecor received its UCI Continental license for a second consecutive year.

2013 was a pivotal year for Garneau-Quebecor. The team attained an important milestone in its growth and has proved itself in a circuit where the competition level is considerably higher than what it had faced in the past. During the season, the team accumulated a total of 29 victories, in addition to receiving the award for 2013 High Performance Road and Track Team of the Year by the Fédération Québécoise des Sports Cyclistes (Québec Cycling Sports Federation). All this thanks to, among others, great performances by Remi Pelletier-Roy, who will take on the role of Team Captain for the 2014 season. Old and new riders, of including an American and two Australians, will complete the 2014 Garneau-Quebecor lineup.

The official presentation of the team will take place next March 27. Until then, the team is already planning a training camp in North Carolina and another in Florida.

Team Garneau-Quebecor reaches new heights each year. Since its inception, the team has contributed to the development of top level cyclists by propelling riders such as David Veilleux, Antoine Duchesne and Hugo Houle to the professional level.

The Défi Garneau-Quebecor presented by Merrell is proud to introduce its Honorary President for the first 2014 edition: Mrs. Sylvie Bernier, healthy lifestyle habits ambassador – Québec en Forme and Olympic diving champion.

“It is with great pleasure that I have agreed to be Honorary President for the 1st edition of the DEFI GARNEAU-QUEBECOR 10K, because I’ve always believed in the benefits of daily exercise and a healthy lifestyle to realize our full potential and, most of all, to live healthy.

By participating in this challenge to support the Little Brothers’ cause, you aim to surpass yourself both personally and physically, but you also become a role model for those who hesitate to take the leap towards a physically active lifestyle.

So sign up! Next August 10, we’re keeping a number for you, and let’s run together for the cause!” declared Mrs. Bernier.

The Défi Garneau-Quebecor is a 10 km run in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures on the beautiful course of the Chemin du Roy. Main goal of the 10 km: run up the notorious Gagnon hill as fast as possible! The best climber will win the honors! Visit the Course section to find out the total elevation.

The profits generated by the event will be donated directly to the "Les Petits Frères" (Little Brothers) organization for the maintenance of the Old Friends’ cottage in Lac St-Joseph and to provide more support for the lonely elderly.

Transportation between the Louis Garneau factory and the start line in included with the registration.

The cost to participate in the event is $50*. Registration fees include:

·A technical t-shirt with the event colors

·Safety supervision

·Sanitary services

·Showers available at finish**

·First aid services

·Chronometer chip

·A light snack at finish

·Medals at finish

* Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.** You must bring your soap and towel.

Hurry, only 1,000 places available! Register now on defigarneau.com.

Granfondo Garneau-Quebecor 2014

Registration is now open! 3,000 participants are expected for the 6th edition! Sign up now at quebecgranfondo.com.

For the past 30 years, Louis Garneau apparel has played a key role in the performance, success, and professional appearance of the Canadian Cycling Teams at 8 Olympic Summer Games. Louis Garneau and Cycling Canada announced today the renewal of their partnership as the Official Cycling Apparel Sponsor of Cycling Canada for an additional four-year term, and subsequently the cycling apparel provider for the Canadian Cycling Teams at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"Our role in the future of Canadian cycling is an essential component of our company's DNA. From a historical perspective, the relationship between my company and Cycling Canada stems back to my participation in the 1984 Olympic Games and my son's participation at the 2008 Junior World Championship. As we look towards the future, in a time when the sport of professional cycling is volatile and its merits are being contested, this partnership pertains to the investment in the future of cycling and the athletes that will continue the sport that has been my passion and livelihood," remarks President and Founder Louis Garneau.

"Our cycling performance wear has been proven, through research and development, to improve speed and performance at the high-level competitive stage these athletes compete in," said Louis Garneau Global Marketing Director Pierre Perron. "A key element of our multi-year renewal is based on continuing this legacy of close collaboration on product design through access to world-class athletes, scientists, aerodynamicists, wind-tunnel facilities, and real-world testing. Because of this, Louis Garneau is known for its commitment to driving innovation for the future and pushing technology even further."

"We are delighted to benefit from the renewed partnership with Louis Garneau for the next four years. Both Cycling Canada and Louis Garneau have always been committed to providing our cycling athletes with the best possible tools they require to perform at the highest international level. By working with LG to design state-of-the-art competitive clothing, our athletes will continue to perform on the international scene with the best apparel on the market," said Cycling Canada High Performance Director Jacques Landry. "Building on the success that Cycling Canada has had over the last four years by implementing a system to support our athletes' potential, the next four years will be devoted to focusing on the processes that will give our athletes the optimal chances to win medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio."

Louis Garneau has outfitted the Canadian Cycling Teams in performance apparel since 1984 (the year Louis himself participated in the Los Angeles Games). Louis Garneau will continue to supply the teams with leading, technologically advanced apparel for optimal performances. Louis Garneau is known for its high performance apparel that outfits some of the top riders and athletes in the world. The Louis Garneau logo will be prominently featured on the Canadian Cycling Teams uniforms in international races every year.

Since the date of the original partnership in 1984, Cycling Canada athletes have won 10 Olympic medals and collected 65 UCI World Championships medals.

Louis Garneau wins the Best in Show Award by The Gear Institute at the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Show.

The Yeti Snowshoe was one of the 15 products selected from a pool of over 150 eligible products. These 15 winners represent the leading technological trends in the outdoor market.

The award was presented by the Gear Institute on the first day of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Show to Louis Garneau representatives Pierre Perron, Marketing Director; Geoffroy Dussault, Snowshoe Product Manager; and Heidi Myers, Public Relations.

The Yeti snowshoe is a high-performance snowshoe designed for steep ascents and access to summits and utilizes the Contact Pro Harness System, a revolutionary binding with a BOA Closure System-customized fit for a lightweight, comfortable, on-the-fly adjustment that pushes performance to the limit.The Contact Harness Pro System with BOA Closure System is:LIGHTWEIGHT: Lightweight is essential in the backcountry. Climbers often have added gear, backpacks, skis/snowboards. Developed by BOA Technology, the dial retention system alone weighs up to 80% less than traditional buckle systems. Constructed of stainless steel, the system will not absorb water, thus reducing the overall weight in use.SECURE FIT: With retention at the forefoot as well as the heel and toes, the 360-degree adjustable harness system offers a secure and stable fit with no slippage during descents or ascents. Lateral stability makes for ideal climbing and the micro-adjustment dial evenly distributes pressure for a comfortable fit.DURABILITY: Knowing that backcountry adepts often tread the most difficult terrains and the longest treks, the BOA Closure System uses a dial to wind the aircraft-grade stainless steel laces, and the entire system is backed by a "BOA Dialed-In for Life Guarantee."QUICK-RELEASE: The releasable guide near the ankle offers a quick hassle-free harness entry and exit. The Contact Pro Harness fits any climbing or ski/snowboard boot.

Louis Garneau's Course Speedzone Vest has been chosen for the prestigious 7th Annual Eurobike Award taking place today in Friedrichshafen Germany. Every year, the jury selectsnew products that feature a high degree of innovation and design quality.

"The Speedzone Vest was a brainstorm of mine stemming from my continued passion to race and creative energy to develop products based on riders needs. The concept was at first a desire to create innovative products for the Team Europcar Professional Cycling Team. I arrived to the office one day with a sketch in hand and my team helped bring the drawing to life," remarks President and Founder, Louis Garneau.

With so much focus on aerodynamics, often mere utility is overlooked and compromised. The Course Speedzone Vest (world patent pending) offers a new approach to outerwear layering that focuses on the rider's usability and protection. Developed in cooperation with Team Europcar, the goal of this development was to answer 2 of pro teams needs: 1) easy access to jersey pockets and race numbers visibility, so it can be worn during all races.

The Louis Garneau Course Speedzone Vest has an opening at the rear large enough to allow access to the rear jersey pockets and provide visibility of race numbers. This opening which has been validated and confirmed in accordance to the UCI Sport and Technical Department is exclusive to Louis Garneau, world patent pending, and part of Team Europcar's 2012 Team Kit. The rear pocket opening allows for easier access to the content of the jersey pockets and eliminates the need to transfer belongings once the vest is removed.

The front of the vest is constructed of Super Light fabric, a 100% polyester fabric that stretches and offers wind resistant and ultra light properties. The side panels and back of the vest are made of power mesh fabric for increased ventilation and snug fit. An inner flap under the zipper helps shield from wind and water. The vest is finished with a zipper garage at the neck to eliminate chafing.

This vest is part of the Louis Garneau custom collection and can be fully sublimated with your team/club colors.

The design and fit of this jersey is clearly spot on based on feedback from the Team Europcar Professional Cycling Team. Constructed of coldblack® Carbon Ion, the Team Europcar kit though in dark green will reflect heat and cool the rider as efficiently as if the kit was in white. In addition, the coldblack® treatment also provides increased UV protection. "We are excited to see coldblack® textile technology from Schoeller being used in the Tour de France. Team Europcar will see great benefits from wearing coldblack® as it offers reliable protection from UV rays and at the same time improves the cyclists' heat management. The Tour de France is a great place to put the technology to test," says Hans Kohn, COO of Schoeller Technologies. Embedded carbon fibers, which also help to reduce the overall weight of the jersey, prevent electric charges from settling on the body, thus avoiding a negative reaction on muscular contractility. The carbon fibers also accelerate the movement of humidity through evaporation. Strategically placed at the arms where the air will come in contact with the rider first is coldblack® Speedtech fabric. Speedtech has a dimpled mesh construction that reduces aerodynamic drag and is designed to improve aerodynamics for speeds ranging from 15 to 45 mph.

Let's start with what's inside this short, first. Team Europcar riders will ride the patented 5 Motion chamois. This chamois is designed to provide multi-directional motions so common with Voeckler's trademark attacking moves. By combining 3D preshaped wings with a bridged vented mesh split, the chamois adapts to the riders movements and positioning. Mesh areas at the back and front wick moisture and prevent the moisture coming from the upper body to fill the chamois. A carbon fiber bacteriostatic top layer wicks moisture and rids harming bacteria. On the surface, a compressive fit is achieved by both fit and Lycra Power, a high performance compressive material. Compression over the rider's legs is proven to enhance muscle support, increase blood flow, and reduce muscle soreness. Treated with coldblack®, the fabric reflects heat and the fabric stays cool to the touch. Laser Cut leg openings are produced by a cutting method using laser beams that eliminates fraying or the need for a hem. This hemless technology allows one layer technology that creates a smooth aerodynamic transition to the skin.

Louis Garneau products will now be available through the United Kingdom. Louis Garneau products will be carried throughout all Evans Cycles stores. Evans Cycles has a deep history in the cycling industry lasting over 90 years. With over 40 stores throughout the UK, Evans Cycles is the UK's largest quality cycle retailer, stocking the widest range of products and brands.

"Louis Garneau has been focused on developing the European market. The United Kingdom is strategic in this process due to its economy and similarity of the Independent Bicycle Dealer retail structure to that of North America. Evans Cycles was the ideal candidate with retail coverage throughout the country, e-commerce and mail order sales, and a strong online presence via social media, a blog, and their own website," remarks Bruno-Luc Gauthier, International Sales Manager for Louis Garneau.

Louis Garneau triathlon products will reach the UK in selected stores beginning in April, and cycling products will be soon to follow in all Evans Cycles stores by September 2011. "I am excited to be working with a market leader in Cycle apparel and look forward to introducing Louis Garneau's innovation and value to the UK market", added Paul Markland, Clothing Buyer for Evans Cycles.

In addition, the relationship with Evans Cycles will also allow Louis Garneau Custom to be available in the United Kingdom to all teams and cycling clubs directly through Louis Garneau. Louis Garneau has one of the most extensive and technological custom apparel and helmet programs worldwide and is the leader of custom apparel in North America.

With the 2011 cycling season gearing to start, there are so many factors that make the launch of the Europcar Professional Cycling Team Custom Kit and Helmet an early victory.

Most notable is the fact that Louis Garneau is the only manufacturer on the pro racing scene providing both apparel and helmets to one team. This ability is significant in that time spent in windtunnels and studying body acceleration has been maximized to design both helmets and apparel that function and enhance aerodynamic performance. "This year, more than ever, we have a kit designed to exceed any standards on cycling apparel," remarks Pierre Perron, International Marketing Director.

The study of wind resistance specific to a cyclist's position led to the design and technology of the Mondo Jersey. The re-engineered jersey has multipe zones and adaptive technology to correspond with airflow direction and penetration. Speed Tech shoulder panels reduce frontal pressure and cut wind resistance at the most strategic locations on a rider's body through a dimpled, textured fabric surface. Seam placement and panels have been precisely engineered to offer a streamlined impenetrable fit that improves human efficiency. The sleeves' Aero Lazer Band is laser-cut and seamless to reduce wind resistance, offer a second-skin feel, and provide a full range of motion. An underarm cooling zone of Power Mesh enhances comfort required so athletes remain competition focused.

The Louis Garneau Lazer Cut Bib is engineered with a laser-cut, seamless Aero Lazer band, which provides a second skin feel, smooth transition, and performance enabling muscle support. The 4Motion chamois's innovative design combines 3D preshaped wings and deep split at the back bridged by multidirectional motion and amazing comfort. Multi-thickness perforated high density foam maintains shape while offering moisture vaporization. Central channel shape relieves pressure from the urethra. This bib has been designed based on biomechanical studies of the cyclist's body and needs for comfort and performance.

The team will be riding a selection of Louis Garneau helmets this year including the Diamond, the Vorttice, and the Quartz. The Quartz sets itself apart with enormous ventilation channels made possible by the MSB technology (a monocoque structural base at the base of the helmet that reinforces the perimeter for enhanced protection) and also by Composite Reinforcements that spread the shock of impacts, provide support, and are lightweight. The Patented Spiderlock Elite Retention, hailed as one of the best in the cycling industry, allows the user to adjust the helmet with only one hand to ensure safety while on the bike. It can be angle adjusted and also provided with ergonomic foam padding. Also notable is the Evacuation Channel technology. "When we build a helmet, we take into account airflow, since the heat of the rider's head must be evacuated in order to maintain performance. Moisture channels are designed to let the air in the front of the helmet flow through the helmet and exit at the back to efficiently keep the head cool," remarks Pierre Perron.

Louis Garneau is proud to announce the clothing and helmet sponsorship of the UCI Continental Pro Team, Europcar Professional Cycling Team. The two-year deal will set a landmark in Louis Garneau history as the first time both helmets and clothing will appear on a team in the Pro Tour.

"For years, Louis Garneau has been producing some of the most technical gear on the market. This sponsorship will strengthen our credibility as we test and prove our apparel and helmets through the collaboration of the world's best athletes," remarks International Marketing Director, Pierre Perron.

The team will be led by French National Road Race Champion, Thomas Voeckler, who is known for his climbing abilities and held the Leader jersey for Mountains Classification through five stages of the 2008 Tour de France. Most recently, Voeckler placed 1st at the inaugural Grand Prix de Québec.

Also riding for Europcar is 7X Canadian National Champion, David Veilleux. Veilleux even won the 2010 USA Cycling National Professional Criterium Championship though he could not hold the title. Louis Garneau has had the opportunity to work with Veilleux throughout the milestones in his racing career. First as part of the Canadian Cycling Association of which Garneau has been a long-time sponsor. Garneau also helped implement his transition to the US Pro Racing circuit with his joining the roster of Jittery Joe's Professional Cycling Team in 2007. His addition to the roster of a UCI Pro Continental team will be another step in Veilleux's career. " I'm pleased to join a world-class team since this will help in my development. Also, knowing that I'm going to ride Garneau helmets and apparel gives me confidence. That gear are some of the most technological on the market. My sponsorship with Garneau started when I first entered sports when I was around 15. It's like going back home, and I will be very glad to tell them about my experience in order to help them keep developing amazing products.," says Veilleux.

"Our relationship with Louis Garneau and the past helmet sponsorship of the Bouygues Telecom Professional Cycling Team from 2005-2008 has always been a positive factor in the history of our team. This year, we strengthen our relationship and bring Louis Garneau helmets and apparel to the team. Louis Garneau is one of the few manufacturers outfitting teams with helmets and apparel, and also one of the few manufacturers producing helmets and apparel at that caliber of technology. When presented with one of the fastest TT helmets and one of the lightest road helmets, we immediately knew it was good to be back with Garneau," remarks Jean-Rene Bernaudeau, manager since 2000.

The team will debut their season at the Tour of Gabon on January 25th, 2011